Race attack on two Asian men

The attackers clothing may be bloodstained

Two Asian men have been severely beaten by a gang of up to five white men in what police believe was a racially motivated attack.

The victims, aged 21 and 25, suffered facial and head injuries in the incident which took place as they queued at a mobile takeaway in Broad Street in the centre of Birmingham.

West Midlands police say the men were racially abused as they stood in line.

When the victims decided to leave the area they were followed and then attacked by a group of men armed with bottles.

Bloodstained clothing

Detective Sergeant Dom Kennedy, of Birmingham's Steelhouse Lane police station, said it was a vicious and unprovoked assault which could have had even more serious consequences.

He said the victims, from Loughborough, Leicestershire, were enjoying a night out when they were attacked at about 0300 GMT.

The two men have been detained in hospital and are said to be in a serious but stable condition.

"They joined a queue at a mobile takeaway in the street outside the former Ronnie Scott's jazz club, now known as The Rocket club.

"There were four or five young white men in the queue, possibly accompanied by another young man of mixed race.

"The group made some racist remarks to the two Asian men."

When the victims left the area and headed into Granville Street they were attacked.

Police believe some of the gang may have been left with bloodstained clothing.

Mr Kennedy said anyone with information about the attack should contact detectives based at Steelhouse Lane.